BLACK HISTORY
February is Black History Month! Observed in countries around the world, albeit on different months, Black History Month is dedicated to honoring African contributions, and remembering important events that have occurred in the past. While the month may be coming to an end, it’s imperative to continue supporting the Black community, amplify Black voices, and stay involved. Attached below are resources and opportunities you may check out to inform yourself and get involved in issues that disproportionately affect people of color, racial, criminal justice, and more.
Organization: Color of Change
Formed in 2005, this is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. With their campaigns, they aim to make a more human and less hostile world for Black people and strengthen the political voice of Black people in America. Through their website, you may participate in their current campaigns and even create campaigns of your own
Organization: SURJ NYC (Showing Up for Racial Justice)
This organization aims to connect people in NYC for local racial justice organizing efforts to make a change. If you’re interested in getting started, you can sign up to become a member on their website. As a member, you’ll be able to attend the dozens of informative events they have planned and get involved in their groups and committees.
Organization: NAACP(National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
Established in 1909, this organization is dedicated to creating a society in which everyone will have equal rights without discrimination based on race. On their website, you can take action on current ongoing campaigns they’re fighting for and learn about issues that disproportionately affect people of color.
Topic: Criminal Justice
Racial disparities are ingrained in the U.S. criminal justice system. This is not only due to racism but also due to the way the criminal justice system operates differently for those who are wealthy and for those who are poor and people of color.
-
Organization: The Sentencing Project. For over 30 years, this organization has dedicated itself to reduce incarceration and address racial disparity to create a fair and effective U.S. criminal justice system. On their website, you can find active issues that you can take action on, connect with local groups, and learn more about issues in the justice system.
Topic: Redlining & Gentrification
-
While redlining was banned over 50 years ago, the impacts of it is still felt today. Redlining was a process in which federal housing agencies rated neighborhoods, and oftentimes BIPOC neighborhoods were marked red, labeling them 'hazardous'. These neighborhoods were not able to develop much, which made it difficult for residents to get loans and invest, hence contributing to homelessness. Gentrification on the other hand is the process of wealthy people moving into these poorer neighborhoods, driving up prices. This process displaces the current residents and makes it harder for lower-income families, especially people of color to find homes in places that were once affordable.
-
Resource: Urban Displacement has a map that shows gentrification and displacement in NY, and gives insight on what’s happening.
- Resource: From the Anti-Eviction Mapping Project, they have a map that shows evictions that have occurred in our city. Alongside the markings, you can listen to the stories of those that have been evicted.
- Resource: Written by Tom Angotti, the article linked below presents five ways you can help fight gentrification.